A native of South-East Asia, peacock fern is a relative of the ferns and was introduced to Queensland as an ornamental for its beautiful foliage.

It thrives in shady, moist conditions where it can form dense thickets extending into the forest canopy (in areas near gardens from which it escapes).

Legal requirementsPeacock fern is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants and animals under their control.

Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on certain species.

Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.

Description Peacock fern is a robust, evergreen, perennial spike moss with rhizome, stems often climbing up to 6 m.

Rhizophores (specialised stem parts that form roots) are produced along the nodes of the rhizome. Light brown stems supported by stiff stilt roots branch from the base.

Numerous, scale-like spreading fronds are blue-green or bronze-green with a metallic hue. Fronds are arranged in ranks up the stem.

Peacock fernSelaginella willdenovii

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Biosecurity Queensland

Invasive plant

ControlManual controlBecause of the extensive rhizome system, peacock fern is difficult to control manually. However, the plant can be carefully dug out. Make sure you remove all fragments of the rhizome system. This requires persistent effort and very regular monitoring of the site and removal of any new growth and its rhizome.

All plant pieces should be put into strong bags and removed from bushland to prevent reshooting.

Herbicide control

There is no herbicide currently registered for control of peacock fern in Queensland; however, an off-label use permit allows the use of various herbicides for the control of environmental weeds in non-agricultural areas, bushland and forests.

See Table 1 for treatment options allowed by the permit.

Prior to using the herbicides listed under PER11463 you must read or have read to you and understand the conditions of the permit. To obtain a copy of this permit visit www.apvma.gov.au

Follow upMonitor treated areas regularly for any new seedlings or regrowth.

Further informationFurther information is available from your local government office, or by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.

Table 1. Herbicides for the control of peacock fern

Method Herbicide Rate Registration statusSpot spray 2,4-D (300 g/L) + picloram (75 g/L) 1 L per 100 L water plus wetting agent APVMA permit PER11463

Permit expires 30/06/2018Glyphosate (360 g/L) 1 L per 100 L water

Metsulfuron-methyl (600 g/kg) 10 g per 100 L water plus wetting agent

Read the label carefully before use. Always use the herbicide in accordance with the directions on the label.

This fact sheet is developed with funding support from the Land Protection Fund.

Fact sheets are available from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) service centres and our Customer Service Centre (telephone 13 25 23). Check our website at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au to ensure you have the latest version of this fact sheet. The control methods referred to in this fact sheet should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the use of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, DAF does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.

© The State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2016. 07/16